Lakers assistant coach Frank Hamblen joined us to take a look at last season’s Western Conference Finals opponent, the Denver Nuggets.

The Lakers handily beat Denver in Games 5 and 6 after a tough first four contests, and this season dropped their only matchup on a road back-to-back at the Pepsi Center when Pau Gasol watched from the sidelines with a strained hamstring.

Hamblen shared with us that the Lakers expect Kobe Bryant (ankle) to play, and have prepared as if Carmelo Anthony (ankle) will play as well (though that appears unlikely). He also detailed the recent success of Chauncey Billups, and suggested how L.A. plans to deal with Nene and Kenyon Martin in the post and J.R. Smith off the bench.